Lyon will work out my Chelsea move: Essien

Michael Essien claims to have been assured by Lyon that they will allow him to join Chelsea – at the right price.

The French club’s president, Jean-Michel Aulas, has publicly insisted that Essien is not for sale, but the Ghanaian midfielder insists that is not his private view.

Essien said in The Sun: “I know directors of both clubs are to see each other again in the next few days. I have the chairman’s word that he will do everything to find an agreement with Chelsea as soon as possible.”

Essien, 22, was sent off in Lyon’s draw with Columbian side Once Caldas in South Korea yesterday.

He has been the subject of £17m (€24.7m) and £18m (€26.2m) bids from Chelsea already this summer, but Lyon are holding out for £30million, and the stalemate has left Essien frustrated.

“I did not take part in the talks. It’s up to the two clubs now to agree. I have made my choice. I want to go to Chelsea,” he added.

“I have made by directors understand I can no longer stay at Lyon. My decision is firm and definitive. The chairman knows he can’t keep a player against his will. He and manager Gerard Houllier understand that.”